To compete in most sports, an athlete MUST qualify at a State Senior Games in the even-numbered year preceding the National Senior Games. Example: For the 2025 National Senior Games, athletes must qualify in 2024.
General qualification methods include:
Place: For most sports, athletes qualify by placing in the top four of their age group at a Qualifying State Senior Games.
Minimum Performance Standards: Certain sports allow qualification by Minimum Performance Standards (MPS). To qualify by MPS, an athlete must meet or exceed the MPS for their age at an NSGA Member Games.
Open sports are available to all eligible participants and do not require qualifications.
